Review by Olabode Joshua -- We are Voulhire: A New Arriv...

[Olabode Joshua]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies" by Matthew Tysz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Galen Bray grew up knowing only two things: war and survival. Life in the Land of the Princes has been nothing short of a nightmare. Galen saw the beginning of the war as an eight-year-old boy - he's now twenty-eight, yet the war does not seem to be ending anytime soon. Luckily for him, his Great uncle upon learning of his existence, facilitates his migration from the war-torn Land of the Princes to the prosperous kingdom of Voulhire. Upon his arrival, he seems naive and overly grateful to Rowan, the man whom his uncle paid to get him out of the Land of the Princes. Nevertheless, there seems to be so much more to him than his naivety - especially as he seems to possess a mystically powered intuitive ability.

We are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz is a sci-fi/fantasy novel set in the fictional kingdom of Voulhire. It is the first instalment in the We are Voulhire series. The story is not fast-paced. Instead, it begins slowly, affording the reader ample time to settle in before the real action sets in. The story revolves around Galen Bray whose arrival in Voulhire is the crux of this entry into the We are Voulhire series. Following Galen's arrival in Voulhire, unprecedented events begin to happen - events which threaten his newly found peace. Initially, he seems to be far away from the action, but as the days go on, he is gradually being drawn into the centre of the hostilities.

I loved the pace and progression of this book. The author started with introductions by engaging the characters in conversations such as this one:
"I'm Galen..." I shook the man's hand.
“Galen?” he said. “Like a Galen of water?”
"Um... I guess so, yeah.”
Those conversations further developed the characters and made them relatable. The inclusion of the map of Voulhire in the book was ingenious. As a geography enthusiast, I was impressed and also able to visualize the places described in the book. The author also kept me guessing all through the book. Up until now, I still haven't known who is the grand villain even though I am fairly certain that Galen is the protagonist. I also loved the concept of Bio-imbusion and Bio-magic. It scares me a lot, but I'm not averse to reading about it in a book.

One thing I liked and at the same time, disliked about this book was the suspenseful manner in which it ended. It left me very high and dry so much that I'm itching to lay my hands on the next book in the We are Voulhire series. The catchy ending further points out Matthew Tysz's writing prowess. It was so descriptive to the extent that my stomach rumbled during the feast where "King Wilhelm watched them(the dancers) through the skeleton of the bull."

I thought it was a joke when the author said that this book "was written and revised with effort, with painstaking care, but most importantly with enthusiasm and love". I found the statement to be true. Indeed, this book is devoid of both errors and erotic content. However, I found one instance of vulgarity, of which I quickly realized that it was absolutely necessary to properly portray the concerned character.

Considering this book's excellence, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I didn't rate it lower because it ticks all the right boxes and possesses all the elements of a blockbuster. This is one book you don't want to miss out on if reading is one of your hobbies. Lovers of magic, science and fantasy will drool over this fantastic piece of creativity.

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We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies
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[Sou Hi]

Thanks for reviewing. I've just finished this book too. But I think the villain is quite clear. At least, what Meldorath did to Eldus, a good man who thinks for his people, clearly makes that mage a bad guy. I'm just not sure if Meldorath will continue these acts in the sequels though.

[Vic Chimezie]

Wow! I am glad you found this book worth the read. I have been stalling on reading it..... I have no excuse now. Thanks for the engaging review and recommendation.

[Ellylion]

I liked Demetrius the monk the most among the characters and all the description of the big cities Thanks for this insightful review!

[Elvis Best]

I dont usually read sci-fi books, but I may try this one. Thanks for the excellent review, Olabode. Good job!

[Honest-reviewer]

I’ve read this book and also have finished reading the second part. I must say that the author has done a great job. I enjoyed reading your review. Good one.

[Phelicia Gloria]

This the latest book I reviewed too, indeed it's left me on a suspension too, otherwise great and honest review.

[Leen282]

Great review, I am sure many readers can and will enjoy this book.

[Mukukamm30]

It's an interesting piece of work. Was really impressed with the supernatural abilities portrayed in Lord Meldorath.

[rahilshajahan]

I'm currently reading the book. Galen seems like a naive out-of-place dude. Man, I hope Meldorath dies a horrible death. Thanks for an awesome review!

[Nerea]

I love how detailed the summary of the book is in your review. I too found Galen to be naive, but i like how curious he was as he toured the land of Voulhire. And his willingness to learn was a plus. Great review. Thanks.

[Mutai Marshal]

I am already drooling to read it since I've already chosen to review it. THank you for a fascinating review

[Sushan Ekanayake]

When I saw this in my to be reviewed list, I had a good feeling about it, and your review proved my thoughts. Thank you

[Connie Otwani]

Bio-imbustion and bio-magic, huh?! Thanks for the insightful review. Sounds like an enchanting book, save for the ending. Great job!

[jokinyo]

Matthew did good in his introductions. The characters and tge kingdom are well introduced.